A Switz City man has been arrested in connection with a January ATV crash that resulted in the death of a woman in Greene County.

According to court documents, Tyler P. Howser, 53, of Switz City, was arrested March 24 on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle causing death, a Level 4 felony, along with operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body and driving while suspended.

He is currently being held without bond in the Greene County Jail.

Authorities reported the crash occurred around 5:18 p.m. Jan. 4 on County Road 600 West near State Road 67.

When deputies arrived, they found Howser and a woman, identified as Courtney White, on the ground next to an Arctic Cat ATV that had left the roadway. White was unconscious and suffering from a head injury and was transported to Greene County General Hospital before being airlifted to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Howser told deputies he was driving the ATV when it pulled to the right as he attempted to shift gears, causing both occupants to be thrown from the vehicle.

White died from her injuries on Jan. 15, according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office, which listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.

Investigators reported that White was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was riding on a seat attached to the rear of the ATV.

According to the affidavit, Howser initially denied drinking but later told deputies he had used marijuana earlier in the day. He also stated he had consumed a concentrated form of marijuana commonly known as “dabs.”

A blood sample taken from Howser was sent to the Indiana Department of Toxicology, which later reported the presence of THC and methamphetamine in his system.

Investigators also noted that ATVs are designed for a single rider and warn against use on paved roads or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Court records indicate Howser had a prior conviction for driving while suspended and a pending case for the same offense at the time of the crash.